CHICAGO - Jade Braden, a senior middle distance and cross country runner at Rocky River High School in Rocky River, Ohio, has signed a letter of intent to continue both her athletic and academic career at Saint Xavier University as a member of the Cougar women's cross country and track programs. As a freshman, she is expected to make an immediate impact on both the cross country and indoor and outdoor track teams at SXU.

Braden is the daughter of William and Enely Braden of Rocky River, Ohio. She plans to pursue a degree in biology next year at Saint Xavier. Braden finished 19th overall at the 2006 Ohio state cross country championships and led her team to a fourth place finish at the state meet. During her freshman year at Rocky River, she was a member of the 4x800 meter relay that qualified for the 2004 Ohio state track meet.

"Jade will be an integral part of both our cross country and track team as a freshman," said Saint Xavier University women's cross country/track coach Lisa Ebel. "She is very versatile as a track athlete being able to run a wide range of distance events. She possesses a good team mentality and we are very excited to have her join our program."